Stadelman-backed law guarantees glucose monitors for diabetics
Insurance companies and managed health plans in Illinois will be required to provide coverage for continuous glucose monitors thanks to legislation State Senator Steve Stadelman co-sponsored and helped pass that now has been signed by the governor.
Stadelman praised Senate Bill 2969 for helping relieve the emotial and financial strain faced by many of the 1.3 million Illinoisans who suffer from diabetes, cannot afford continuous glucose monitors and must rely on dated finger-stick testing. Continues glucose monitors track blood sugar throughout the day, allowing up-to-the-minute data for patients to use when assessing diet or the need for insulin.
"Modern medical technology shouldn't be reserved only for diabetics with financial means," said Stadelman, a chief co-sponsor of the bill, "and no diabetic should ever have to chose between life-sustaining medical equipment and putting food on the table."
Continuous glucose monitors provide better treatment for patients with Type I and Type II diabetes and prevent expensive emergency care and hospitalizations. CDC data shows Black, Hispanic and Native American populations are all at a higher risk of developing diabetes, further exacerbating the equity gap caused by high-cost monitoring devices
Stadelman has been at the forefront of legislation to improve diabetes care in Illinois since his son, Nikolas, was diagnosed as Type I when he was 13 in 2017. That year, Stadelman passed legislation to allow pharmacists to dispense vital medications in emergency situations when a doctor isn't immediately available to prescribe a refill. More recently, Stadelman was responsible for a law that caps out-of-pocket montly insulin expenses at $100 in Illinois.
Nik Stadelman joins his dad at a news conference in 2017 and for his swearing-in as a freshman lawmaker in 2013. He now plays basketball for the Illinois State University Redbirds.
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Governor signs Stadelman-Vella law to help military vets find civilian jobs
Legislation passed by State Senator Steve Stadelman and State Rep. Dave Vella to help service members who are transitioning from active duty to the workforce has been signed by the governor. The new law designates the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs as the primary assistance agency under the U.S. SkillBridge Program that helps employers find skilled workers.
“We are assisting former military residents with transitioning back into the workforce by creating a hub of resources for them to use,” Stadelman said. “Through IDVA, veterans will find help returning to a civilian job that fulfils them.”
SkillBridge helps active duty members gain job experience and transition to civilian employment by pairing service members with opportunities at participating businesses where their skillsets match. AAR Corp recently recommended the program to help move vets into jobs in aircraft repair and maintenance at the Rockford airport.
“Veterans should be able to find the assistance they need in a singular place," Stadelman said. "Whether it be for health, home or a job, the grateful citizens of Ilinois through the IDVA are going to be here to help them.”
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Major state road projects in progress in and around Rockford
Six major road projects are under way or about to begin in the Rockford area, representing a total investment of 31.4 million under the Rebuild Illinois plan.
"Not only are these much need upgrades to aging infrastructure," Stadelman said, "but the projects are putting many local people to work in good-payingj jobs that in turn drives additional economic growth."
• West State Street (Business U.S. 20) from Day Avenue to Independence Avenue. West State is being widened from from two to four lanes with new storm sewers, signals, sidewalks and a bicycle and pedestrian path.
• East State Street (Business U.S. 20) between Mill Road and Buckley Drive. East State is being resurfaced and receiving new curbs and gutters, sidewalks, signal modifications and a bicycle and pedestrian path with lighting.
• U.S. 20 from Falconer Road to Simpson Road. The second half of a two-year, 6.5-mile resurfacing project includes exit and entrance ramps at Montague and Meridian roads.
• Decking is being replaced now on the Illinois 251 bridge over the Soo Line Railroad in Davis Junction and beginning in July on the Interstate 39/U.S. 51 bridge over the Kishwaukee River.
• A retaining wall is being repaired on Illinois 251 (North Second Street) between Forest Hills Road and Spring Creek Road/Auburn Street.
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is pumping $33.2 billion over six years into the state’s transportation system.
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In case you missed me on Facebook ...
Steve Stadelman
June 12 at 5:25 PM
Congratulationsto Navy Club of Rockford, IL Ship #1 on its 100th anniversary! Honored to present a State of Illinois Proclamation during a dinner celebrating the milestone. That's me with Ship # 1 Commander Bob Lamay, bottom right.
